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Symbol of Service: Handcolored Print of a Sedia Chair Bearer, Plate 29, 1862 This vibrant handcolored lithograph, Symbol of Service, is Plate 29 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It features a Porter of the Sedia (Porteur de la Sedia), a figure tasked with carrying the ceremonial Sedia Gestatoria, a richly adorned chair used for transporting the pope in grand processions and solemn occasions. The Porter is dressed in a striking pink brocade vestment, paired with an elegant orange cloak and knee breeches. His attire, rich in detail and vivid colors, reflects his role in an esteemed ceremonial tradition. Beside him stands the Sedia, lavishly decorated with golden ornaments and fabric embellishments, symbolizing both papal authority and the grandeur of the Papal Court. Historically, the Sedia Gestatoria was an integral part of the Papal Court until the 20th century, when it was replaced by the Popemobile. The chair bearers, or sediari, played a vital role in these processions, embodying the dignity and solemnity of the event. The use of this ceremonial chair provided not only practical transportation but also an elevated display of papal authority and reverence. This lithograph captures the opulence and tradition of Papal ceremonies, offering collectors an extraordinary glimpse into the history and artistry of 19th-century Vatican life. It is a unique addition for those interested in antique prints, religious history, or ceremonial art. Introduction Text Translation: A powerful interest is attached to the name of Rome, an interest even greater in the name of Christ. Rome, through its genius, the vast intelligence of its warriors, orators, and legislators, prepared the cradle where Catholicism was born, grew, developed, and established itself. The history of Catholicism is the history of this great and glorious city among all others. Virgil said in a truly prophetic verse: "To rule peoples, Roman, remember." This prophecy received the most glorious, complete developments: all conspired for the glory of the eternal city?its history, its arts, monuments, and the religion from which everything starts and to which everything returns. Yet, no other city in the universe contains such a collection: from the monuments of Augustus' time to those of Sixtus V and Leo XII; from pagan temples to saints' tombs and martyrs, all illustrate daily the majesty of Catholicism in its splendor. It was natural to offer the public the tableau of the splendid costumes of the Pontiffs and great dignitaries, as well as those of the humble garments of religious congregations. This is what we retrace in this Album. Amid the religious costumes, we have also included military corps contributing to the harmony of ceremonies. These figures, drawn by the skilled artist G. Perugini, are accompanied by explanatory texts derived from the works of the learned Father Hélyot. Table of Costumes in English (selected for relevance): - The Pope in Grand Ceremony - Cardinal in Choir Attire - Bishop in Pontifical Costume - Franciscan - Capuchin Friar - Jesuit - Reformed Redemptorist - Sister of Redemption (Plate 76) - Religious Sister of Perpetual Adoration (Plate 77) - Benedictine (Plate 78) - Zocolette (Plate 79) - Lateran Canoness (Plate 80) - Senator and Pages (Plate 25) - Secret Chamberlain (Plate 26) - Caudataire (Plate 27) - Massier (Plate 23) - Porter of the Sedia (Plate 29) - Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94) This richly detailed print serves as a stunning representation of the historical splendor and ceremonial traditions of the Papal Court, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of religious and historical art.
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